Pin OakQuercus palustris

But homeowners and city foresters are pleased with this tree for very specific reasons: strong wood; dense shade; tolerance of many soil conditions, heat, soil compaction and air pollution; free from most major pests; pleasing to the eye in all seasons; and easy to plant. Needless to say, this faster-growing oak is a common sight in yards, along streets and throughout parks.

Soil Preference

Attributes

Has a distinctive branching pattern that sets it apart, especially in winter.

Provides great fall color, with leaves turning shades of scarlet and bronze.

Is easier than most to transplant.

Features glossy, dark green leaves that are 3–6" long with 5 lobes (although sometimes 7–9) separated by very deep sinuses.

Produces yellow-green catkins that are 5¬–7" long and typically appear in April and May.

Yields acorns that are nearly round and ½" long with a thin, saucer-like cap made of small, tight scales.

Offers dense shade.

Tolerates heat, air pollution and compacted soil.

Develops a single, central trunk from ground to tip.

Grows in a pyramidal shape.

Cannot tolerate alkaline soils.

Wildlife Value

Pin oak acorns are eaten by many songbirds, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, squirrels and smaller rodents but are a particularly important food for many ducks.

History/Lore

The name pin oak comes from its short, tough branchlets located along the branches and limbs. Because of its tolerance for wet conditions, the tree is also known regionally as swamp oak, water oak and swamp Spanish oak. The tree was first observed scientifically prior to 1770.

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